Korea has had many dynasties that came to power to great fame, and then fell into ruin.

Ordinarily, we want to attach these falls to political, economic, or military reasons. But take a closer look, and you will find many of these falls had less to do with outside invasions and more to do with messy human behavior inside the palace, and when I say messy, you know it’s the Kimchi spill disaster type.

Let’s do another “Life Lessons from” but this time it’s not K-dramas, it’s the Korean pre-modern era.

Here are five of the most significant reasons the Korean dynasties were not able to stay together.

Endless Factionalism

In dynasties such as Joseon, political factions were not something to joke with. There were bitter factions that divided the court; each working to stay in power, control policy, and dominate the King. Ultimately, there were only gridlocks, purges, and a government that was too busy fighting itself to take care of real-world problems, just like the snakes always imply. This is a sharp reminder that when people care more about winning against each other than working together to solve problems, the end is never far. Internal divisions destroy more quickly than external threats, and that’s a fact.

Family rivalries that end in tragedy

Normally, you would expect royal family members to convey stability because blood is thicker than water, but you know what is thicker than blood? Power!

The duality of interest behind palace walls often revealed relatives, brothers, cousins, and in-laws making claims to the throne. Before you know it, someone is banished, exiled, or beheaded for treason, while another is power drunk, and that is how their strength is weakened before rival powers who want to drag them all out. Did you think ‘Left or Right state minister’ just now? You are right. Family drama often results in disaster even beyond the family. Family loyalty is important, but ambition disregards loyalty and tears institutions apart.

Scholars Who Overpowered the Throne  

In case you didn't know, Confucian scholars in Joseon often wielded a moral authority that kings found far more compelling than their own authority. They provided structure to governance, but it was their rigidity that undermined the reforms necessary. Decline was entirely predictable when the people you depend upon to guide you offer no pragmatic alternatives, only ideological purity. Advisors shouldn't lead, they shouldn't control, they should only advise, that’s their job for God's sake!

Palace Women Who Could Make or Break Dynasties  

We all agree women are absolute table shakers, right? Behind the curtain or from the sidelines, royal women, in particular, queen dowagers, palace women, and unsurprisingly, court ladies, conducted succession and made alliances. Some would help, while some would prevent stability, leaving entire courts vulnerable to violence. The palace ladies are really the indispensable sub-players.

Weak or Distracted Rulers

Tyrant Kings? Check. Puppet kings? Check. Selfish and unwavering kings? Also Check. The pre-modern era really had them all. I don’t need to start lecturing you on the roles of a leader, and when dynasties had strong, inspiring kings to lead them, they flourished. When they were ruled by kings who were seduced and distracted by luxury, paranoid egos, and personal pleasures (women inclusive and again), those dynasties fell apart. It goes to say that having a crown on your head does not guarantee that you will be competent, and when the very top of the structure is weak, the whole thing collapses.

Honestly, Korean dynasties didn't just fall because they were invaded by barbarians marching with swords. More often, history tells us they collapsed under the stress of internal rivalries, unchecked egos, and incompetent leadership.

Ultimately, history warns us that if we neglect the human side of power, even the most powerful dynasty can eventually come undone.

Ciao